Pulse of The People: There are ways to make the SAFE act work

Monday, April 15, 2013

Even though I live outside Rensselaer County, the newspaper article about the Rensselaer County Legislature's forum where hundreds expressed their opposition to the SAFE Act is very interesting. Rensselaer County Sheriff Jack Mahar is quoted that "We don't have the resources, the time or the money to go after the bad guys with weapons, to expend one penny to go after citizens who are obeying or abiding by the law."

The Capital Region Economic Development Council's Strategic plan indicates in "Goals, Assets, Strategies and Outcomes" under "Bring cities to life" that "The Council will support model programs of success in improved public safety through community policing and other strategies, guided by an expert task force comprised of leaders from police agencies, county prosecutors' offices, business improvement districts, neighborhood crime prevention, civil rights organizations and civic leaders. (pp. 43.)"

If Sheriff Mahar decides to utilize the Council's Consolidated Funding Application in cooperation with the 56 law enforcement agencies associated with the Zone 5 Training Academy to obtain a portion of the $200 million available through the competitive funding program, then a regional public safety policy could go after the bad guys.

Consideration of the state Department of State's Local Government Efficiency Program may establish a regional task force to strategically share services to enhance community oriented policing services. The expanded use of the Division of Criminal Justice Services' Operation impact program that Albany County and Schenectady counties are implementing throughout the region may increase law enforcement partnerships. Incorporation of the Division of State Police's School and Community Outreach programs, such as Schools Against Violence in Education and the Crimewatch programs could be enhanced with the Crime Victims Specialist Program. And, of course the state Office of Victim Services offers programs that will assist a regional public safety policy.

In addition, State Sen. Kathleen Marchione could ask the 127,000 individuals who signed her anti-SAFE petition to request U.S. Sens Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Reps Chris Gibson and Paul Tonko to support funding of the U.S. Department of Justice's Community-Oriented Policing Services program for our region. The federal program could increase funding to assist local law enforcement agencies to protect emergency response personnel, students and teachers, business owners and workers, and our neighbors who are victims of arrogant, violent, inconsiderate and criminally insane individuals using illegal guns adversely affecting the health, safety and welfare of our communities.

Since Rensselaer County Legislator Ken Herrington and Albany County Legislator Deborah Busch are in support of changing the NY SAFE Act, then their persuasive leadership could involve other county governments to support a Consolidated Funding Application to enhance regional public safety.

Jesus, a victim of violence, recommended love they neighbor as thyself. I wonder if the hundreds of people who applauded comments of Mahar will support a community-oriented policing strategy, including services for victims of violent crimes.